The average UK employee spends 109 hours a year making hot drinks at work, research has revealed.

Eighty-seven per cent of people believe having a break during the working day boosts productivity and the ability to think creatively, according to a report from household goods company Appliances Direct.

Tea was the most popular hot drink, with 56 per cent of people saying they would choose it, while 38 per cent of respondents opted for coffee.

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The research found people working in professional services take the most breaks, spending an average of 141 hours per year on breaks.

UK healthcare workers, however, spent just 23.5 hours a year taking tea breaks – less than any other profession.

Mark Kelly, Appliances Direct manager, said: “Whether you work at a desk, in a shop or a factory, or on a building site, getting away from your workstation for a few minutes at regular intervals will aid productivity as it allows you time to stretch your legs and gather your thoughts before heading back to it.”